Billy Ray Valentine

February 10th, 2022 at 2:11 PM ^

Fair points.  That said, the Sixers weren't playing with Simmons, but the Nets were (sort of) playing with Harden.  Assuming Simmons petulance was never going to end, Simmons was never going to play another game; therefore, the Sixers are easily a better team today than they were yesterday.

 

I think Simmons could thrive in Brooklyn, but they'll need to re-arrange their roster and rotation. Kyrie, Simmons, and Seth Curry will be an impossible fit at the same time on the floor. My guess is that Curry will come off the bench when the Nets are on the road.  

MGoStretch

February 10th, 2022 at 7:49 PM ^

Kyrie and Simmons are a couple of unique dudes. I’m more interested in how their locker room will mesh more so than their floor games.  Kyrie will be like, “I only play away games” and Simmons can be like, “hold my beer. You should’ve seen me in Philly this year...”.

Michfan777

February 10th, 2022 at 2:07 PM ^

Bagley was my favorite player in his draft class after Ayton (I liked Doncic but didn't think he would become white LeBron, and still think Young is just a super-scorer on a bad team), but was amazed how poorly he panned out so far - a combo of only having 1 good hand and injuries/attitude.

I could see him flourishing in Detroit - even if he never reaches his potential.

Yo_Blue

February 10th, 2022 at 2:27 PM ^

This isn't as big of news as James Harden going to the Sixers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two future first round picks.

It will be interesting to see if Simmons is truly a head case or if a change of scenery will help him. That's a load to give up for Harden.

Billy Ray Valentine

February 10th, 2022 at 2:53 PM ^

I don't know if I agree that it is a "load." Simmons was never playing again for the Sixers, per him. Drummond is a solid backup Center at this time in his career.  He really only plays about 15 mins/game when Embiid is in the lineup. The Nets probably will start Drummond, so there's more value for them, but Drummond doesn't represent a "load." The future 1st-round picks will likely be in the high 20's. Seth Curry has been banged up all year. But even if he was healthy, Harden would be taking most of his minutes. A "load" would have been if the Sixers included Maxey and/or Thybulle.  

michengin87

February 10th, 2022 at 3:42 PM ^

I agree.  Not sure if I would call this a load, but it's a lot of big name talent.  Having said that, I think this is a deal that works for both.  James Harden makes the Sixers much better than the guys they gave up and will help Embiid so much more by forcing defenses to deal with Harden.  Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if the two Australians, Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving decide they actually want to play.  They are both fantastic if they get their heads straight.